Everyone's focused on Aaron Rodgers and Russell Wilson. One of those two might become the starter for the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2025 but don't rule out other players who could be available on the trade market. Some have thrown out Kyler Murray as a choice, but another realistic quarterback who just hit the trade block might be the best target for Pittsburgh.
If Rodgers or Wilson becomes the starter for 2025, they need a student who can learn and develop behind them. The perfect candidate for that opportunity just became available in New England. The former sixth-round pick could produce something similar to last year with Wilson and Justin Fields on the roster. It could be a fruitful outcome for the franchise.
According to Jordan Schultz of Fox Sports, Joe Milton III is available for trade under the right circumstances.
"The Patriots have had discussions on trading QB Joe Milton III and would like to trade him to the right situation to continue his development in the NFL — should a deal get done," Shultz posted on X.
Nothing is final regarding their need to push Milton out of town. It's also unknown if Pittsburgh would have an interest in Milton if he were available. While the Steelers didn't do too much scouting on quarterbacks during Milton's draft year, they did show interest during the Senior Bowl. Maybe they could see him as Fields's replacement.
New England Patriots quarterback Joe Milton III could be perfect trade target for the Pittsburgh Steelers
New England has three quarterbacks under contract when you review their depth chart. They just signed former Steelers player Josh Dobbs to a nice payday, so he is preparing to be the backup to Drake May during the early portion of free agency. The Patriots will entertain trade offers for Milton, but no one knows what price they will require in a deal.
Another thing to consider is New England has a new coaching staff. That could lead to countless changes on the roster since they haven't drafted and developed these players. Milton might have quality tools to work with, but he is already 25 going into his second season in the NFL. No one should value him too highly, with only three years left on his rookie contract.
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If Pittsburgh is thoughtful, they would only envision Milton as a backup player who might develop. The odds of him becoming a franchise guy are tiny. He would have to change a lot, but you cannot deny his freakish physical attributes. The Steelers should be making a call to see if they could land Milton for a late-round selection in the upcoming draft. He might be their best bet.
Milton would be better than any other backup Pittsburgh would have to sift through toward the end of the draft. He still has a high ceiling, and he played one game for the Patriots this past season, where he produced respectable numbers.
Milton might not be the franchise guy Steelers Nation has been demanding, but he would be a nice developmental piece behind Rodgers or Wilson.